Since Alvaro Morata was sold to Chelsea in the summer, Real Madrid have been without a striker that they can bring off the bench to grab a goal. Real manager Zinedine Zidane has now identified Valencia youngster Rafa Mir as a replacement for the departed Morata.
It is also said that he wants the deal done in January rather than waiting until the summer. Zidane has been under a little bit of pressure recently and needs additions to his squad if the club are to challenge at the top of La Liga.
As it stands, Los Blancos are 11 points behind Barca going into El Clasico on Saturday and whatever the result happens to be, Zidane will look to bring in players in the new year. Reports from Spanish news outlet Don Balon state that Rafa Mir is a top target for Real.
Who is Rafa Mir?
Rafa Mir is still only 20 years of age and has recorded 22 goals in 49 matches for Valencia’s B team. He has appeared for Valencia’s first team twice but is regarded as one of La Liga’s hottest young prospects.
It is also being reported that Real Madrid will offer Marcos Llorente as part of the deal in order to speed the process along. Much like Alvaro Morata, Mir is a traditional target man that can hold the ball up and score goals with his head.
The club have been criticised for selling Morata, even though the £60million fee was good money for a bit part player. The main issue was that he was not replaced at all, and any deal for Rafa Mir will go a long way in putting this right. If he does sign, it is hoped that the youngster would develop into a top striker in the next couple of years.
